Sunday 5 August 2018

Green left sends solidarity to the staff of Bookmarks bookshop

Green left sends solidarity to the staff of Bookmarks bookshop which was attacked by masked fascists yesterday. Our politics are not  the same as that of  Bookmarks but over the years this shop has carried texts and hosted events which are in line with the environmental and political concerns of Green Left. We agree with the reports that characterise this event as an alarming attack on freedom of speech. Many fascist and repressive regimes and movements begin by  seeking to suppress ideas that they cannot cope with but they will not succeed. We support Bookmarks  in  its work of telling truth to power in spite of this attempted intimidation.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/05/far-right-protesters-ransack-socialist-bookshop-bookmarks-in-london

1 comment:

DON'T dis US said...

Press release 05/08/2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Socialist bookshop calls for solidarity following Nazi attack
Bookmarks bookshop in Bloomsbury, central London, has called on supporters to attend a solidarity event following an attack by far right thugs.
Twelve men invaded the shop last Saturday, destroying displays, wrecking books and chanting Alt-right slogans. One was wearing a Donald Trump mask.
Since the attack Bookmarks the socialist bookshop has received messages of support from leading figures in the trade union and labour movements and thousands of activists from around the world.
Those tweeting their support include singer and activist Billy Bragg, Rupa Huq MP, historian Louise Raw and Guardian columnist Owen Jones.
David Lammy MP tweeted: “The normalisation of far right politics is already leading to chaos and vandalism on our streets. Fascist thugs attacking book shops is the logical conclusion to a political movement which rejects facts and experts. We need to be vigilant.”
Bookmarks is holding a solidarity event in the shop on Saturday 11 August from 2pm. Throughout the afternoon there will author readings as well as speakers from the trade union and labour movement.
Dave Gilchrist, manager of Bookmarks, said: “This horrific attack on a radical bookshop should send shivers down the spine of anyone who knows their history. The Nazis targeted books because they knew how important radical ideas are for challenging racism and fascism. The same is true today, and that is why we have to show that we won’t be intimidated.”
Bookmarks is also calling on supporters to donate funds to help bolster security in the shop and to replace lost stock. Donations can be transferred to: Sort Code: 30 93 29 A/c: 00089719

Martin Francis